[Bryan88]

It will be interesting to see how the NFL handles this situation, especially considering that his trial is set to begin 3 weeks into the season. Do you think that they will suspend him once the season starts and then revisit the issue after his trial, or will they wait for the verdict?

Access Vikings: » Blog Archive » The McKinnie situation

Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie isn’t likely to get closure on his latest legal problems before the Vikings report to training camp on July 23 and his status with the NFL also remains in limbo. When the latter situation will get resolved is anyone’s guess at this point.

McKinnie had his criminal case continued again Friday during a hearing in Miami-Dade County Court and now is scheduled for a Sept. 24 court date at which he does not have to be present. As pointed out before, however, the NFL is not required to wait for the legal system to play out before imposing punishment and a possible suspension on McKinnie.

That’s because McKinnie, who met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in late May, is a repeat offender of the league’s personal-conduct policy. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail Tuesday that he had “nothing to report” on the McKinnie situation or the fact that the player’s next hearing is scheduled for a date that will be three weeks into the regular season.

Nonetheless, there is a chance the NFL will act on the McKinnie situation before that next court date. If McKinnie does find himself suspended, look for Artis Hicks to replace him at left tackle.

[Lefty Noob]

Since he doesn't have to be present, I'm guessing they'll let him play until a verdict is handed down.

[Bryan88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Since he doesn't have to be present, I'm guessing they'll let him play until a verdict is handed down.

That is what I am hoping as well, but with the way the league has been cracking down on misbehavers I think there is a possibility they do something earlier.